abandoned narcotic boats
A narco-submarine was found at the mouth of the Arousa in Pontevedra. The discovery occurred around 11:00 am on a Monday, at the entry channel to the port of Vilagarcía near Vilaxoán. A shellfish collector alerted the Civil Guard after noticing an oil sheen and a strange object floating among rafts. At first the observer suspected a plastic tank, but upon closer inspection the object revealed itself as a submarine lying in wait just offshore.
The diver remained semi-submerged with the bow protruding above the surface, roughly a kilometer from the Vilaxoán jetty. The water depth in that area is about seven meters, creating challenging conditions for any underwater operations and complicating the initial assessment by authorities.
This incident marks the second narco-submarine sighting off the Galicia coast since a vessel ran aground near Aldán in 2019. Preliminary information indicates this sub shares very similar characteristics with the submarine that grounded near Cangas, suggesting ongoing use of a comparable design and operational approach by trafficking networks.
A substantial security deployment has arrived to manage the scene and address the drug trafficking threat. On land, members of the UCO are coordinating operations; at sea, a Customs patrol boat remains vigilant; and a Civil Guard helicopter surveys the area from the air. In the afternoon, GEAS divers joined the operation with the aim of inspecting the vessel and placing anchors to facilitate refloating and towing maneuvers. This team specializes in underwater recovery and will determine how best to expose the narco-sub to reveal any stash concealed inside. No details about crew members were released as yet by authorities.
The GEAS dive work is expected to face significant challenges due to poor sea conditions reported for the day. The entire Galician coast was placed on red alert as waves reached heights of five to six meters, increasing risk and complicating the sequence of recovery operations. The weather adds urgency to secure the vessel and any potential contraband while ensuring the safety of the rescuers and investigators involved.
abandoned narcotic boats
Three weeks earlier, two narcobots were found stranded along the Ribeira coastline, both empty yet damaged, with fuel tanks apparently full. The first alert came around 8:30 am on February 22 when 112 was notified about a twelve-meter glider equipped with two powerful Yamaha engines in the Espiñeirido area. Several fuel barrels were also reported in the vicinity, suggesting a quick turnover in illicit activity and potential risks for local waterways and shorelines. The rapid mobilization of local authorities underscored the ongoing concern about the use of small, fast craft in drug trafficking and the need for continuous monitoring of coastal waters.
About an hour later, a second alert described another similar glider discovered off the coast of O Vilar, near the mouth of the small A Lagoa river. This vessel reportedly carried three engines. The combined response involved 112 National and Local Police, Marine Rescue, and Galician Coast Guard crews, all coordinating to secure the area and investigate possible manipulation of the water routes for smuggling. The pattern of multiple sightings within a short timeframe raised alarms about a coordinated effort to move contraband through these waters and highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation during such operations.
In April 2021, the Ribeira National Police began confiscating two boats from a Palmeira ship that had been prepared for use in drug trafficking operations. This enforcement action reflected a clear focus on dismantling the tools of the trade and preventing further exploitation of maritime routes by criminal networks. The ongoing vigilance in this region demonstrates a persistent effort to curb illicit activity, protect local communities, and maintain safer coastal and port environments for legitimate commerce and tourism. Let authorities continue to share verified updates as investigations proceed and as new information becomes available, ensuring transparency while prioritizing public safety and lawful enforcement measures.